Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy: A review of 56 procedures

Background and Purpose: The essential surgical steps in laparoscopic cholecystectomy remain similar to those of open cholecystectomy. Positive identification of the biliary anatomy, safe clipping or ligature of the cystic duct and artery, and dissection of the gallbladder from the liver bed form the basis of cholecystectomy. Subtotal cholecystectomy is a definitive and safe operation under certain adverse conditions intraoperatively for dissection of the gallbladder from the liver bed. We reviewed our experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy over a 2-year period between June 1996 and May 1998, when 1680 operations were performed. The objective was to analyze the pathology, review surgical procedures, and trace the outcome of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy. Patients and Methods: In 56 of 1680 patients, laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy was performed, which constituted 3.33% of the laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed at our institution. Dense fibrosis and adhesions were present in 32 patients; 12 patients had Mirizzi syndrome, 6 patients had a sessile gallbladder, and 6 patients had a gangrenous gallbladder. The Endo-GIA 30 stapler was used in 40 patients, sequential clips were used in 9 patients, and a suture for stump closure was used in 5 patients. A subhepatic drain was inserted in 50 patients. Results: Two conversions to open surgery were needed because of gangrene of the gall bladder wall and one conversion as a result of continued bleeding from the cystic artery after application of the Endo-GIA 30 stapler. The mean postoperative stay in hospital was 2.5 days. One patient had a solitary bile duct calculus extracted at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography 3 months after surgery. Three patients had biliary drainage that lasted for a week, and four patients had epigastric port-site infections that resolved with antibiotics, dressings and postural drainage. Conclusion: Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy is safe, feasible, and effective and may help prevent conversion to open surgery in carefully selected patients with difficult cholecystectomies.